Xiaomi Redmi 15 vs OnePlus Nord N30 SE: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi 15 and OnePlus Nord N30 SE both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Redmi 15 leverages Qualcomm’s latest 6-series silicon, while the Nord N30 SE opts for a MediaTek Dimensity chip. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and longevity, the Xiaomi Redmi 15 emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a slight edge in CPU performance and, crucially, boasts a tested 67:03h battery endurance with a 1000-cycle lifespan, exceeding the Nord N30 SE’s unknown endurance.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi 15 OnePlus Nord N30 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 71 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, August 012024, January 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, August 01Available. Released 2024, January 31
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions169.5 x 80.5 x 8.4 mm (6.67 x 3.17 x 0.33 in)165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight217 g (7.65 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 6-
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~374 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size6.9 inches, 116.9 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 850 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 15, HyperOS 2.2Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.88" 0.61μm, PDAF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD 2.0, PPS, QC3 18W reverse wired33W wired, 51% in 30 min
Type7000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Titan Gray, Ripple GreenBlack Satin, Cyan
Models25057RN09ECPH2605
Price€ 159.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 179.00About 510 EUR
SAR EU1.00 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery67:03h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass D (45 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Xiaomi Redmi 15

  • Superior battery endurance (67:03h)
  • Longer battery lifespan (1000 cycles)
  • More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, 6nm)

  • Charging speed is comparable to the Nord N30 SE, but doesn't offer the same initial burst.
  • Camera specifications are unknown, potentially lagging behind OnePlus.

OnePlus Nord N30 SE

  • Faster initial charging speed (51% in 30 minutes)
  • Potentially better image processing (based on brand reputation)
  • OnePlus’s OxygenOS software experience

  • Battery endurance is unknown, likely lower than the Redmi 15.
  • Chipset is built on a less efficient 7nm process.

Display Comparison

Display specifications are absent from the provided data, making a direct comparison impossible. However, given the price bracket, both devices likely feature LCD panels with FHD+ resolution. The absence of LTPO or high refresh rate technology is expected. The user experience will likely hinge on color calibration and peak brightness, areas where OnePlus historically performs well, but without data, this remains speculative.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a meaningful comparison is difficult. It’s safe to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses in this segment suggests both devices likely include one, but their utility is questionable. Image processing algorithms will be key differentiators, and brand reputation suggests OnePlus may offer more refined image processing, but this is unconfirmed.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 15’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm) features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While both employ similar core counts, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3’s newer architecture and 6nm fabrication process should translate to slightly better efficiency and sustained performance. The 7nm Dimensity 6020 is still capable, but the Redmi 15 has a slight architectural advantage. The lack of LPDDR5x RAM specification for either device suggests they likely utilize LPDDR4x, which is standard for this price point.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Redmi 15 shines in battery endurance, boasting a remarkable 67:03h of usage and a 1000-cycle lifespan. This indicates exceptional longevity and reliability. The Nord N30 SE’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 33W charging, capable of reaching 51% in 30 minutes, is a clear advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The Redmi 15 also supports 33W wired charging with PD 2.0, PPS, and QC3 standards, and even 18W reverse wired charging, offering greater versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 15 if you need a phone that will reliably last through a full day of heavy use and potentially for years to come, thanks to its impressive battery cycle rating. It’s ideal for users who stream videos, play casual games, and demand consistent performance. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you prioritize quick charging – reaching 51% in 30 minutes – and prefer the OnePlus software experience, potentially valuing its streamlined interface over raw performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 in the Redmi 15 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. The 6nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling, allowing for sustained performance during gaming sessions. Expect to adjust graphics settings for optimal balance between visual fidelity and smoothness.
❓ How does the 33W charging on the Nord N30 SE compare to other phones in this price range?
33W charging is relatively standard for phones in the sub-$200 category. The Nord N30 SE’s advantage lies in its ability to reach 51% charge in just 30 minutes, offering a quick top-up for users on the go. However, the Redmi 15’s support for PD 2.0, PPS, and QC3 ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers.
❓ What does the 1000-cycle lifespan of the Redmi 15's battery mean for the average user?
A 1000-cycle lifespan means the battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1000 times. This translates to several years of reliable use, even with daily charging, making the Redmi 15 a more durable long-term investment.